Dealing with household costs can feel like a never-ending fight to stay on top of bills and find savings. But guess what — it doesn’t have to be that hard!
In this article, I’ve lined up 13 useful ways to cut your household expenses. Let’s jump right in!
1. Track All Expenses Meticulously for a Month
Many people find themselves scratching their heads, wondering where all their money went.
The first step to plugging those leaks is tracking every penny spent for a month. Yes, every single one.
Start with jotting down every expense, then group them into categories like housing, groceries, and fun stuff.
You’ll quickly see patterns and realize maybe you’re spending a bit too much on takeout, expensive coffee, or streaming services.
Next, craft a budget that fits your actual income. In short, give every dollar a job.
Whether it’s rent, savings, or a night out, prepare for it.
Of course, sticking to this plan might feel challenging at first. But it’s like flexing a muscle; it’ll surely get easier with practice.
2. Use Budgeting Apps to Monitor and Manage Your Finances
Managing bills and savings can be quite a juggling act, minus the applause. Luckily, budgeting apps are here to save the day!
YNAB (You Need a Budget) has completely changed the way I handle money.
Instead of merely tracking my expenses, it syncs directly to my financial accounts and keeps my finances up-to-date automatically.
Moreover, YNAB’s goal-setting tools help keep my financial aspirations clear and trackable.
I’ve used it before to save for a vacation and pay down my debt. It helped me set specific targets and monitor my saving progress directly within the app.
For those new to budgeting, YNAB offers a free 34-day trial, which I found invaluable when I first started.
3. Cancel Unused Memberships and Subscriptions
It’s easy to sign up for services and then forget about them. However, those unused memberships can drain your wallet fast.
Consider this: a subscription purge. Yes, cancel them all. Every single one that you can live without for a month.
This might sound drastic, but it’s a surefire way to see what you genuinely miss and what you can do without.
Then, after 30 days, reassess and only bring back the essentials.
Additionally, sharing subscriptions with family members and friends is suggested. Why pay for multiple accounts when you can split the cost?
When it comes to gym memberships, the cost-benefit ratio often doesn’t add up, especially if you don’t go regularly.
I’ve gone through this purge myself. I swapped a pricey gym membership for home workouts.
Not only did I save money, but I also discovered a new love for outdoor running.
4. Take Shorter Showers to Reduce Water and Heating Costs
Most people love a long, hot shower.
But when you see your water and heating bill, that love might cool off just as fast as your shower water does.
Cutting your shower time to 10 minutes or less is a surprisingly effective way to reduce these costs.
Think of it as a race against the clock where the prize is extra money in your pocket each month.
And for those who struggle to keep it short, consider large water-saving heaters like this! They help save water without compromising water pressure.
5. Plan Meals Weekly to Avoid Food Waste
Throwing away spoiled food is like tossing money in the trash. To prevent this, planning meals for the week is recommended.
It means you shop once, buy exactly what you need, and even save time by having groceries delivered to your door.
Bulk buying is another clever move. Snacks and essentials like milk are cheaper in larger quantities.
For instance, a chocolate bar can cost $1.89 each or $1.40 each in a four-pack.
Similarly, a single serving of milk might run you $2.79 for 500ml, whereas a 4L jug breaks down to just $1.03 per 500ml.
Besides buying in bulk, keeping an eye on your fridge’s temperature ensures your food stays fresh longer.
Don’t forget about your freezer, either.
It’s perfect for extending the life of prepared meals beyond 3 to 4 days. This way, you waste less and always have a meal on hand.
6. Start a Small Vegetable and Herb Garden
Starting a vegetable and herb garden can trim your grocery bills.
Imagine having fresh basil, cilantro, dill, and parsley at your fingertips, ready to boost your dishes from good to gourmet without the extra cost.
Of course, setting up your garden in the first year will be expensive. But consider it an investment.
Beyond the initial setup, the cost of seeds or starter plants is minimal compared to the ongoing savings on your grocery bill.
Moreover, growing your own food goes beyond just being frugal. There is something inherently soothing about gardening.
The act of tending to plants, feeling the dirt, and watching your garden thrive has a healing effect.
You become more aware of the sunlight, rain, and the changing seasons.
Hence, if you’re even slightly drawn to the idea of gardening, try it.
7. Shop Around for Insurance to Get the Best Rates
Shopping for insurance can feel like a maze, but finding the right provider can significantly lower your household costs.
When I first started shopping for insurance, I was overwhelmed by my options.
That’s when I found Policygenius, which really simplified the process for me.
The platform allows you to compare multiple quotes at once, and it’s not affiliated with any insurance company. The comparisons are unbiased and tailored to my needs.
One of the standout features of Policygenius is the access to licensed agents.
These professionals are available to answer questions and provide clarity without any sales pressure.
However, note that most policies found through Policygenius do require a medical exam.
While this might be a drawback for some, it’s a standard part of the process to secure the most accurate rates.
In my case, the slight inconvenience of the medical exam was worth it for the peace of mind and savings I gained.
8. Take Advantage of Cashback and Reward Programs
You can enjoy earning money while you shop by using cashback apps!
I’ve been using Honey for a while now, and I must say, it has made saving money on my online purchases incredibly easy and almost automatic.
Once installed as a browser extension on Chrome or Safari, Honey jumps into action every time I’m about to check out.
Basically, it scans for any coupons that could lower my bill.
What’s more, Honey doesn’t just help me save upfront! It also rewards me with cash back through its Honey Gold feature.
As I shop, I earn points that can later be redeemed for cash. It feels like I’m getting paid to buy things I would have bought anyway.
Note: The app is entirely free, which means there’s no extra cost to worry about.
This is a huge plus for anyone looking to tighten their budget without missing out on their favorite products.
One of my favorite features is its Droplist. When there’s something I want but don’t need right away, I add it to my Droplist.
Honey then monitors this item and notifies me when its price drops.
9. Downsize and Simplify Your Life
If your living space or possessions feel like they’re more than you need, downsizing could help you cut down on household costs.
Maybe you’re navigating rooms at home you barely use.
Opting for a smaller home or moving to a more affordable area can significantly reduce your monthly expenses.
Sharing living expenses with roommates or family members is another strategy worth considering.
It can cut costs on everything from rent to utilities, which will make your financial goals more attainable.
Rethink your transportation needs, too. Public transit, biking, or carpooling are both budget-friendly and eco-friendly alternatives to driving solo.
While the initial adjustment seems scary, the financial and personal freedom gained is worth it.
10. Invest in a Water Filter Instead of Buying Bottled Water
Instead of paying a premium for the convenience of bottled water, consider investing in a water filter.
I, for one, have been using a Brita filter for some time now, and I can say it’s one of the most user-friendly water filtration systems out there.
You just fill it with tap water and let gravity handle the rest. It’s great for someone who values convenience and efficiency in daily tasks.
Brita is also one of the more affordable options on the market when it comes to upfront costs.
This was a huge draw for me initially, as I didn’t want to invest a lot in something I wasn’t sure I’d continue using long-term.
But one of the key reasons I stick with Brita is its effectiveness in removing the unpleasant chlorine taste from tap water.
It’s impressive how it makes the water from my faucet taste clean and fresh.
However, remember that the filters do need to be replaced relatively frequently: every two months or after 40 gallons.
To get around this, I’ve switched to using Brita’s elite filters. They are pricier but they filter water faster and last three times longer.
11. Switch to a Cheaper Cell Phone Plan
Did you know Americans dish out an average of $127.37 monthly on phone bills? That’s around $1,500 a year!
That’s enough to make you rethink your spending priorities.
Cutting down on this expense could be simpler than you think: switch to a cheaper cell phone plan.
I’ve been using Mint Mobile for a while now, and it has genuinely changed the way I view mobile service.
Through their app, everything from checking data usage to adjusting my plan is just a few taps away. This ease of use is something I appreciate in my busy life.
Another great feature is the included mobile hotspot. It has been a lifesaver more than once!
Specifically, it allowed me to connect my laptop to the internet when Wi-Fi was out of reach.
Additionally, Mint Mobile offers free calls to Mexico and Canada, which has been useful for me as well as I have family in both countries.
Note: Mint Mobile is currently offering a deal that averages $15 per month for the first three months!
12. Go for Reusable Products
When it comes to cutting household costs, nothing beats the switch to reusable products.
You might be surprised by the variety of items available in reusable form.
For instance, reusable sandwich wraps eliminate the need for disposable baggies.
Meanwhile, paperless paper towels can tackle spills and cleanups without adding to the landfill.
In addition, a reusable market bag is a must-have for grocery shopping. It’s more durable and eco-friendly compared to plastic bags.
And for beauty enthusiasts out there, reusable Q-tips offer a sustainable alternative for makeup application and correction.
13. Take Advantage of Free Entertainment
There are plenty of free entertainment options out there that can provide just as much enjoyment as their paid counterparts.
For one thing, you can dust off those board games that are collecting dirt on your shelf.
Take advantage of the great outdoors, too. Leisurely walks in parks or nature reserves are good for your mental health.
Additionally, local communities often have open mic nights or poetry slams. These events are usually free!
Moreover, learning a new language can be a fulfilling and free hobby. You can use online resources or language exchange meetups to practice.
Most importantly, don’t forget about your local library! It’s a goldmine of free books, movies, and audiobooks.
These 13 strategies aim to inspire you to manage household expenses better! Do you have any thoughts or tips to share? Drop a comment below!
